Texo Drone Survey and Inspection (Texo DSI), the owner operators of the world’s most comprehensive and dynamic fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles has announced that it has carried out an internal UAV inspection of a live nuclear asset – a first for the global nuclear sector.

Texo DSI were commissioned by URENCO UK to carry out an internal UAV inspection of one of its processing plants for fire compartmentation checks.

The internal Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) was deployed into the wall and ceiling voids to inspect the structure. Utilising its high definition visual and thermal cameras, with 0.2mm per pixel resolution allowed detailed examination of the structural fabric of the building.

This deployment, believed to be the first internal inspection of an active uranium enrichment plant, is pivotal for the future of internal inspection for the nuclear sector.

The project has saved URENCO UK substantial costs over traditional access methods by not having to build manual access systems across the entire building.

Martin Pearson, Managing Director, URENCO UK said: "This has been a ground-breaking inspection for us. Not only has it saved on traditional access costs it also reduces the obvious working at height risks that come with that. Texo DSI can send the drone up from the safety of the ground and ascertain if there are any gaps in our fire arrangement that need repairing.

Martin added: "It has taken about 9 months to get to this place from a risk point of view so those of us involved in this project can see the value going forward."

Rob Watts, Managing Director, Texo DSI commented: "We are delighted to have carried out this project for URENCO. We have invested millions into what is the world’s most advanced fleet of UAVs with integrated sensors. As a business we operate the largest fleet of internal UAVs in the sector and being commissioned by an organisation of URENCO’s stature really does vindicate our market-leading position."

Since its inception, the precision data acquisition specialist has made a multi-million pounds investment in a fleet of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles and associated payload sensors for industrial survey and inspection, alongside the development and implementation of its asset management TEXZONE software platform and the very best process and quality management systems. Texo DSI has also been recognised for bringing to market a number of world-first UAV-integrated technologies.

For more information about Texo Drone Survey and Inspection Ltd please visit www.texodroneservices.co.uk